Nonprofit at crossroads after 59 years

Haywood Spay/Neuter is at crossroads. 2014 will determine whether low-cost spay neuter surgeries will continue to be available for pets of lower-income owners. The nonprofit is desperately seeking new volunteers to help handle the jobs left vacant by others who are stepping up to take on more demanding roles within the organization.

“We need individuals who sincerely want to make a difference in the lives of Haywood County animals. Please step up to the plate and join us. Your timing will never be better than if you come forward now,” said Connie Hewitt, Board President.

Come to our Volunteer Meeting

Saturday January 25 at 10 a.m. at

Haywood Spay/Neuter Office

182 Richland Street in Waynesville

From office tasks to physical workouts, volunteers are the wheels that move everything forward in our clinic transport programs. We need you! Interested individuals or groups should call 828-452-1329 to let us know you are coming.

Volunteers know that it takes many hands to run an organization. You can help answer phones, respond to questions, assist at transports, write grants, organize fundraisers, trap colonies, keep the office organized, keep up on trends and laws about animal welfare, maintain equipment, and more. There is always a way to put your interests and talents to work for animal welfare. Board membership is another option for volunteers who want to assure that affordable spay/neuter and basic animal wellness programs continue for the neediest animals in our community.

“We need the people, ideas, and new energy to keep this organization going at the same pace it has been,” Hewitt continued. “We are now at a crossroads. Close to achieving the goal we have envisioned for years: no more homeless pets. But those years have come at a price and some of us have worn out knees, backs that can no longer lift crated animals on and off transport vans, and additional demands on our time which include taking care of and enjoying our own pets and colonies. We need new hands – yours - to take on our current tasks or help us expand our reach.”

“If you want to play a part in improving animal welfare in Haywood County, we want to see you at the group meeting. For those unable to make that date, we will arrange to meet at your convenience,” said Hewitt.

We Get Results! Be a Part of the Solution

In 2013, the Haywood County shelter took in 2,672 animals, a whopping 31% fewer cats and dogs compared to 3,877 animals impounded in 2000. “The difference in cat intake has been remarkable,” said Penny Wallace, Treasurer. “For the first time on record, the shelter impounded less than 1,000 cats. This number will continue to decline with our ongoing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and owned pet sterilization programs.”